'Unfit to operate' Indian restaurants fined £22k

AN infestation of mice was just one of a catalogue of hygiene problems that should have made it 'patently obvious' that two Indian restaurants should not have been open, the Magistrate's Court heard.

The owners of the Indian Cottage, Southside, St Sampson's and The Sitar, Victoria Road, St Peter Port, were fined a total of £22,000 after admitting a string of offences.

Nur Miah, of Les Quatre Vents, La Garenne, L'Ancresse, Vale, who co-owns both restaurants, pleaded guilty to six offences.

The Sitar co-owner, Umar Ali, of Flat 6, Contree Mansell, St Peter Port, admitted four.

Both apologised during the hearing and said islanders could now inspect the restaurant kitchens if they wanted.